Monticello library offers curb-side delivery

     During the first week the Monticello Public Library was closed to the public, March 16, they continued to offer curbside delivery due to short notice of the closure.

     As people remain at home during the coronavirus pandemic, Library Director Michelle Turnis said more and more requests for materials have come through.

     “We’ve had many requests for access to physical library items,” she said, “and have received guidelines from the State Library of Iowa and the American Library Association on best practices to keep everyone safe.”

     After the week of March 16, the library ceased deliveries. However, patrons still had the opportunity to “check out” online materials such as e-books and audio books. But sometimes, a physical book makes all the difference…

     On Thursday, April 9, the library started offering curbside delivery again, but with some major precautions. When you arrive at the library to pick up your items, stay inside your vehicle, open your trunk/tailgate, and your materials will be placed inside. Library staff will be wearing protective PPE when handling materials as well.

     Turnis said it might be a good idea to wipe down your library materials when you get home.

     Pickup of library materials will only be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. When calling in to reserve your materials, you’ll be assigned a specific pick-up time, explained Turnis.

     Not all library materials will be available for checkout, however. Only books, DVDs and books on CD can be checked out.

     “We have increased checkout limits on DVDs and books on CD to eight each,” said Turnis. “And you will be able to have a total of 30 items, including books.”

     There are several ways one can reserve items for curbside delivery:

     • Online at Monticello.biblionix.com

     • By leaving a message at 319-465-3354

     • By texting 319-820-2859

     Turnis asks that patron reserve items by 5 p.m. the day before pick-up.

     “Once the items are ready, we will call you and assign a pick-up time.”

     As of now, the Monticello library is set to open to the public again on Monday, May 4, unless the Governor extends statewide closures. All items checked out from the library will be due on May 4.

     “We would prefer that you keep items at home until the library reopens,” asked Turnis of the public.

     Library staff will only be inside the library during pick-up hours.

     Additionally, Turnis reminds the public that the library has boosted its Wi-Fi signal and encourages anyone who needs Internet to use it from the library’s parking lot. You can connect to the “Monticello Library Free” network.

     The library also purchased additional e-books for its Bridges online service, as well as audio books, and e-magazines. You can visit bridges.overdrive.com and log in with your Monticello library card number.

     Questions about all of the library’s free services can be directed to the contact information within this article.